Taking a look at Week 2 matchups

Sports Editor Jon Behm previews some of this week’s games, including Avon vs. Olmsted Falls and Avon Lake vs. North Olmsted. Plus the Athletes of the Week and out game predictions.

AVON LAKE AT NORTH OLMSTED

What: Medley Memorial Game of the Week When: 7 p.m., Sept. 1 Where: Ranger Stadium, 34600 Bainbridge Road, North Ridgeville Records: Avon Lake 1-0, North Olmsted 1-0 Last time: 2016 — 49-28, Avon Lake For the record: The inaugural Medley Memorial game is one that should not disappoint, as both teams are flying high off of a Week 1 win. Avon Lake showed composure late in topping Elyria, while North Olmsted thoroughly manhandled Valley Forge behind running back Darren Anders. The Eagles are looking to be this year’s 2016 Avon Lake team — the squad that was ready to take the next step in terms of conference and playoff contention. The Shoremen are looking to show that they have not slowed a step. Expect this one to be a quick-paced game, with Avon Lake featuring the talents of quarterback Jack Mikolich (12-for-33, 182 yards, two touchdowns against Elyria) and North Olmsted showing off Anders (20 carries, 162 yards, three touchdowns, one reception for 66 yards and a touchdown against Valley Forge).

AVON AT OLMSTED FALLS

What: Southwestern Conference game When: 7 p.m., Sept. 1 Where: Charles A. Harding Memorial Stadium, 26939 Bagley Road, Olmsted Falls Records: Avon 1-0, Olmsted Falls 1-0 Last time: 2016 — 42-19, Avon

For the record: Everyone knows that Avon has a target on its back — it does year in and year out. This year, the Bulldogs are a team with that target, too, and the Eagles are going to want to fire the first shot. Both teams enter the game at 1-0 following come-from-behind victories in Week 1 against playoff stalwarts. Both teams feature a multi-dimensional offense as well as a hard-nosed defense. So, naturally, it means this game will be a physical affair that will not disappoint. Look for Avon to set the defensive tone at linebacker as Kyle Kudla and his team try to contain the Bulldogs’ Luke Lombardo. Offensively, the Eagles will trust the arm of Ryan Maloy and a committee of running backs led by Tony Eberhardt to solve an Olmsted Falls defense that held Brecksville-Broadview Heights to 18 points.

COLUMBIA AT KIRTLAND

What: Nonconference game When: 7 p.m., Sept. 1 Where: Rogers Field, 9150 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland Records: Columbia 1-0, Kirtland 1-0 Last time: N/A

For the record: It was smart of coach Jason Ward and the Columbia administration to get this game on the Raiders’ schedule. Kirtland is not just a perennial playoff team, but a constant state contender. This will be a great test to let the Raiders know exactly what they need to work on if they want to be more than a one-and-done playoff team this season. It’s obvious what the Raiders do well. Brandon Coleman is a rushing force, totaling 204 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1 against Independence. The big thing Columbia will find out is how strong its run defense is. Kirtland ran for 400-plus yards against Chagrin Falls in Week 1, but could get in the end zone only twice. Both RB Joey Torok and QB Dylan Fulco ran for 100-plus yards against the Tigers. Stopping the run will be a huge key to victory for either team.

NORTH RIDGEVILLE AT MIDVIEW

What: Southwestern Conference

game When: 7p.m., Sept. 1 Where: Ross Field at Ed Adelsburg Stadium, 38199 Capel Road, Grafton

Records: North Ridgeville 0-1, Midview 1-0

Last time: 2016— 49-42 (OT), Midview For the record: Talk about a pair of exciting, close contests in Week 1. North Ridgeville was edged by North Royalton, 24-21, in the closing moments of the game, a very similar story to Midview topping Lorain, 37-34, as the clock wound down. Now, expect a completely different style of play for each team in this one. Both teams struggled in Week 1 at stopping big plays. Both teams also were pretty good at creating big plays for themselves. Both coaches also know that you can’t hope to consistently win in high school football with those happening. Expect a renewed focus on defense for both schools in this game — one that might result in a grind-it-out pace at times. With that being said, each team will still take their big-play shots, and this one might very well come down to which team’s defense can best eliminate those from occurring.